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Who doesn’t love a country drive? Hitting the open road for some fresh air and a change of scenery not only gives regional areas a much-needed boost, it’s a great opportunity for us to learn more about our history, culture and landscape. Start planning your mini getaway or road trip with the following suggestions.

Sydney’s popular beachside suburbs of Bondi and Coogee are ideal for getaways if you want to be close to the city while enjoying some fresh air and surf. ButAdina Apartment Hotel Wollongong and our Sydney CBD hotels are are also convenient for beach swims and foreshore walks and they make great bases for coastal and country drives.

The 140-kilometre Grand Pacific Drive passes through Wollongong and other coastal towns, through rainforests and over the Sea Cliff Bridge snaking its way along the coastline.

From Newcastle, you can have the thrill of 4-wheel driving on Stockton Beach and sandboarding on the dunes, or you can head inland and mosey around the Hunter Valley vineyards. Another popular drive is the convict-built Great North Road with stunning gorges, razorback ridges and historic townships like Wollombi.

In South Australia, picturesque wine regions like McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills and the Barossa Valley make for lovely drives, all within an hour or two of the Adina Apartment Hotel Adelaide Treasury. Quaint historic towns and outstanding locally produced food and wine add to the appeal.

An hour’s drive from Brisbane, Vibe Hotel Gold Coast is surrounded by beaches that are out of this world and a hinterland clad in ancient Gondwana Rainforest. Hotel rooms offer views of the Nerang River and the hotel’s riverside bar and eatery, Driftwood Social, offers a sunny and breezy space to while away the hours.  Meander along country roads to viewing spots and walking tracks on Tamborine Mountain and to see the beautiful waterfalls in Springbrook National Park.

If you've got a licence to drive, we've got a hotel at a CBD near your end destination.

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